Hamdi Mohamed was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in November 2021. She made history as the first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington State, and the first Black woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission. She currently serves as the first Black Commission President in the Port’s 112-year history.
Mohamed’s decision to run for Port Commission stems from her long history and connection with the Port. Mohamed’s father was a truck driver, and her mother worked at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). And Mohamed and her husband currently live near SEA in the City of SeaTac and are both proud University of Washington Graduates.
In addition to her work at the Port, Mohamed currently serves as Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Prior to her time at the city she served as policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine and was the Deputy District Director for U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, helping small- and medium-sized businesses navigate the impacts of new public policies. She also worked for CARE International and the Refugee Women Alliance in roles dedicated to fighting poverty and empowering immigrants.
Mohamed’s priorities as Commissioner include:
- economic development to make the Port more competitive and to create jobs locally;
- equitable economic advancement for workers and small businesses
- environmental justice by expanding the Port’s role in reducing toxic pollution and promoting renewable energy; and,
- reducing the impact of aircraft noise and pollution on our neighbors.
As the only Port Commissioner living in South King County and representing the neighborhoods around the airport, she is looking to be a strong voice for the community and lead on cleaner aviation fuels and climate action.